Montgomery County's chief health officer is urging Potomac-area families to follow Maryland's new state vaccine schedule as respiratory virus season begins.

Dr. Kisha Davis, the county's chief health officer, endorsed the guidance on Tuesday, Sept. 22, saying the recommendations stay rooted in science. The schedule, which Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani issued Sept. 10 under the state's new VaxAct, covers flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and routine childhood immunizations including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and hepatitis B.

"I fully support the state's decision to establish independent vaccine guidance, as it ensures our public health recommendations remain firmly rooted in rigorous scientific evidence rather than political interference," Davis said, as first reported by MyMCMedia.

Maryland developed the schedule independently after the CDC, under U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., scaled back broad childhood recommendations for several vaccines earlier in 2026. Shots for rotavirus, influenza, COVID-19 and hepatitis A and B are now federally recommended only for children with severe health complications or after a provider consultation, Maryland Matters reported. Maryland's schedule restores broader recommendations, drawing on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The state's confirmed measles cases reached 40 in 2026, far above the handful typical in a normal year.

What the VaxAct means for Potomac families

The VaxAct, which took effect July 1, requires state-regulated insurers to cover all state-recommended immunizations at zero out-of-pocket cost. It also lets pharmacists vaccinate anyone age 3 or older without a prescription. Uninsured and underinsured residents can get recommended vaccines at no cost through the state's Vaccines for Children Program and Maryland Vaccine Program, according to Patch.

The recommendations do not create new vaccine mandates. Existing school-entry vaccination requirements remain unchanged, and more than 96% of Maryland kindergartners are already vaccinated.

Davis said wider vaccination reduces strain on emergency rooms and protects vulnerable groups, including infants, older adults and immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing chemotherapy. More than 8,000 Maryland residents were hospitalized with lab-confirmed flu during the 2024-25 season, according to the state health department.

When the schedule was announced Sept. 10, Deputy Director of Public Health Services Meg Sullivan suggested the end of October as a target date for annual flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations. Residents can check with their pharmacist, primary care provider or the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services for local availability.